§ 41. Mr. R. T. EVANSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will investigate the circumstances of the revocation of the coracle fishing licence of Mr. William Owens, who secured his livelihood by this means on the River Towy; and whether he is aware that licences have been reissued to some who have other forms of employment and that this is in contravention of the terms of the Order defining the powers of the fishery board concerned?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have already made inquiries into the circumstances of the case referred to in the first part of the question, and upon the information which I have received Mr. Owens does not appear to have been a regular holder of a coracle fishing licence or to have satisfied the qualifying conditions that would entitle him to preference in the granting of licences under the terms of the relative Order. I understand, however, that the licensing committee of the fishery board have made arrangements whereby Mr. Owens will be enabled to fish. I am not aware of the circumstances of the other persons referred to in the last part of the question, but the responsibility for the issue of licences rests with the licensing committee, and I have no authority to intervene.
§ Mr. EVANSIs it not a fact that the rights of the fishery board are governed 1321 by the Order, and is it not also a fact that the Order insists that preference should be given to those whose livelihood is earned entirely out of coracle fishing?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid I could not go into the merits of any particular case at Question Time.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESIs it not the case that most explicit assurances were given to this House, when the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act was passing through, that the rights of these fishermen would be amply safeguarded?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThey are amply safeguarded, and they have in fact a majority on the licensing committee.
§ Mr. EVANSIf I provide my right hon. Friend with information which, to the best of my knowledge, is contrary to that which has been provided to him, will he reopen this matter?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI shall be glad to examine any information which is laid before me by my hon. Friend.